Excessive Force by Police Officer Case: Misdemeanor Charges Laid

Yesterday, November 13, 2017, the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office successfully concluded a battery and excessive force case against Santa Monica College Police Officer Michael Champagne, according to a statement received today from the City.

Officer Champagne was accused of excessive force during the arrest of a homeless man on the Santa Monica College campus on January 19, 2017. The Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office pursued misdemeanor charges after the District Attorney’s Office declined filing of felony criminal charges.

“The City of Santa Monica is committed to meaningful accountability for all, including law enforcement personnel,” said Chief Deputy Terry L. White.

Officer Champagne will serve one year of summary probation, 150 hours of community service, and a 100-yard stay away from the victim. As a result of his conviction, Officer Champagne is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm for 10 years.

Deputy City Attorneys Autumn Rindels and Meryl Chambers with the Criminal Division of the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office handled the investigation and prosecution of the case with the assistance of the Santa Monica Police Department.